(Newark, DE 19711) The New Castle County Division of Police has issued a Gold Alert for 55-year-old Dawn Fitzharris.
Fitzharris was last seen near the unit block of Cordele Road, Newark, around 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026. Despite extensive efforts, officers have been unable to locate or contact Fitzharris, and there is concern for her health and safety.
Fitzharris is described as a white female, 5’8” tall and 140 pounds, with black hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a maroon hoodie.
Anyone with information regarding Fitzharris’ whereabouts is urged to contact the New Castle County Police Department at (302) 573-2800 or call 911 immediately.
Location: 900 block of Rue Madora Drive, Bear, DE 19701
Community: Forest Glen
Investigation Details:
On May 15, 2010, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Douglas Houser responded to a knock at the front door of his residence in the Forest Glen community.The suspects asked about an individual unknown to Houser, then forced their way into the residence. Once inside, they shot Houser, resulting in his death, and fled the scene.
A witness provided a suspect description as a light-skinned black male, approximately 6’2” and 300 pounds, with an Afro-style haircut pulled back into a ponytail.
If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit at 302-395-8110 or email: Coldcase@Newcastlede.gov
The victims and families of our unsolved cases are not forgotten. Ongoing efforts by the New Castle County Division of Police and the Criminal Investigations Unit’s Cold Case Unit are being made to resolve each case. Additionally, if you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a violent crime or has lost a loved one to sudden death and needs assistance, the New Castle County Division of Police Victim Services Unit is available to offer you support and resources through (302)395-8000.
If you’d like to report information anonymously, Delaware Crime Stoppers is a nonprofit organization that offers cash rewards of up to $5,000 for anonymous tips that lead to an arrest. Be sure to retain your Tip ID and password to follow up, provide additional details, or claim a cash reward. Submit a tip by calling 1-800-TIP-3333, visiting www.delawarecrimestoppers.com, or using the P3 Tips mobile app.
In October 2025, Detectives assigned to the Active Crime Trends Team were conducting proactive patrols in the Claymont area when they conducted a motor vehicle stop and recovered approximately 2.31 pounds of marijuana. During the investigation, one of the vehicle’s occupants identified himself as “Todd Gregory” and presented an out-of-state identification card. As the investigation continued, Detectives later determined the individual was actually 26-year-old Lorrie Ellis, who had been using a fraudulent identification card.
On Thursday, May 14, 2026, Detectives assigned to the Active Crime Trends Team responded to an address in the 400 block of Justison Street in the City of Wilmington, where they located Ellis, who was also wanted in Pennsylvania on felony drug-related charges. Detectives subsequently obtained and executed a search warrant at the residence, recovering Promethazine and Oxycodone that were not prescribed to Ellis.
Lorrie Ellis was transported to New Castle County Police Headquarters and charged with:
One felony count of identity theft
One felony count of providing a false statement to law enforcement
One felony count of possession of a controlled substance, Tier 1
One misdemeanor count of fugitive from another state
One misdemeanor count of criminal impersonation
One misdemeanor count of possession of a controlled substance
Ellis was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2, held without bail, and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution.
